CVE-2024-31088
📋 TL;DR
This DOM-based XSS vulnerability in the AdsPlace'r WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. It affects all WordPress sites running AdsPlace'r plugin versions up to 1.1.5. Attackers can exploit this to steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform actions on their behalf.
💻 Affected Systems
- AdsPlace'r – Ad Manager, Inserter, AdSense Ads WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator session cookies, take over WordPress sites, install backdoors, deface websites, or redirect visitors to malicious sites.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious scripts to steal user session cookies, redirect visitors to phishing sites, or display unwanted advertisements.
If Mitigated
With proper Content Security Policy (CSP) headers and input validation, the impact is limited to potential script execution in specific contexts.
🎯 Exploit Status
DOM-based XSS typically requires user interaction (clicking a malicious link) but can be exploited without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.1.6 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'AdsPlace'r – Ad Manager, Inserter, AdSense Ads'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. If no update appears, manually download version 1.1.6+ from WordPress.org and replace the plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable the vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the AdsPlace'r plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate adsplacer
Implement Content Security Policy
allAdd CSP headers to restrict script execution sources
Add to .htaccess: Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'"
Add to nginx config: add_header Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'";
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable the AdsPlace'r plugin immediately
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with XSS protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for AdsPlace'r version. If version is 1.1.5 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get adsplacer --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.1.6 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual JavaScript payloads in request parameters
- Multiple requests with script tags or JavaScript events
- Requests to suspicious domains from your site
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to unknown domains after page load
- Unusual JavaScript execution patterns
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND ("<script" OR "javascript:" OR "onload=" OR "onerror=") AND uri_path="/wp-content/plugins/adsplacer/"